Friday, May 27, 2022

Dear friend, 

I am heartbroken to hear the tragic news out of Uvalde, Texas. I ache for the victims and their families. I am grateful to the first responders and those who are helping their community to heal. As a father of an FCPS student, I understand the fear and anguish that many parents feel when they send their children to school after such events. This horrific event comes as our country is still reeling from yet another mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. 

There is so much more that we can do to address gun violence, and I am committed to doing everything in my power at the county level to enact commonsense policies to address firearm deaths and keep our communities safe. I will also work with our elected officials at the state and federal levels to implement solutions to prevent future tragedies.

As chair of the Public Safety Committee, I am aware of the impact that senseless gun violence has on our community. Firearms are now the leading cause of death for Americans aged 1 to 19. I have worked tirelessly with my Board colleagues and County leadership to advocate for Virginia’s Red Flag Law and the banning of firearms in County buildings, parks, and special events. The Red Flag Law, also known as the Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO), prevents individuals who show signs of being a threat to themselves or others, with due process, from purchasing, possessing, or transporting any kind of firearm. 

If you know of someone with a gun acting in a way that concerns you, speak up to prevent a tragedy. To request an ESRO, call the police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. If there is an immediate danger, call or text 9-1-1.

There are additional resources available to help prevent gun violence

• Learn about Virginia's Red Flag Law
• Fairfax County Police Department helps dispose of firearms
• Free firearm safety locks are available
• Mental health resources, such as emergency services, classes, and online screenings

Learn more: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/resources-to-help-prevent-gun-violence?fbclid=IwAR1tYMI-Yg8uusfahj7v16tkpjQAftjMXyignADMIBuykvm8nZp-29-7d4s

También en español: Mi declaración sobre el tiroteo en la escuela primaria de Uvalde, Texas.

Please contact my office if we can assist you.

1. Acknowledging Moms Demand Action & Wear Orange Proclamation 
2. Fairfax County Educational Webinar on Youth Substance Use Trends
3. Supervisor Lusk in the Community
4. Supervisor Lusk in the News
5. Fairfax NAACP's Family Fun Day
6. Memorial Day Travel Most Lane Closures Lifted
7. Fairfax County Government Center Bike to Work Day
8. Traveling Players Now Offering Financial Aid for Theatre Summer Camps
9. Reminder: Taste of Springfield
10. Reminder: Spring Shoe Fundraiser
11. FINAL REMINDER: Village Hardware Center in Support of the W.I.S.H.
12. Children 5 to 11 Years of Age Now Eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Booster
13. COVID-19 Resources

Acknowledging Moms Demand Action & Wear Orange Proclamation 

During Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board voted 9-0 to designate June 3rd as Gun Violence Awareness Day. Afterward, I personally thanked Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America members for their continued advocacy on this issue. I committed to them that I would work together to find solutions to the growing gun crisis in our communities.

Just a few hours after passing the designation, we learned of the tragedy in Uvalde, Texas.  

Fairfax County Educational Webinar on Youth Substance Use Trends

Due to the rise in opioid overdoses in the Fairfax Health District, which is consistent with national and state trends, Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with us to provide an educational webinar on youth substance use trends and supports. 

Link in photo: bit.ly/3KfHEG7

Supervisor Lusk in the Community

Over the weekend, volunteers and I participated in a Kingstowne Community Cleanup hosted by the Trash Pirates.

Thank you to the Miller family for organizing another successful cleanup!

If you would like to learn more about the Trash Pirates and get involved, visit https://www.officialtrashpirates.com/. Their website also offers educational worksheets for children about litter, our environment, and climate change topics.

Speaking at the Edison Academy Construction and Engineering Induction Ceremony. Congratulations to  the program and students’ accomplishments of the 2021-22 school year!

I joined residents at a community garden planting event located at the new Lee District Community Center. In addition to the Workforce Innovation and Skills Hub, the community garden will provide residents with educational and economic opportunities. 

Supervisor Lusk in the News

Fairfax Board Seeks To Improve County's Response to Homelessness:

https://patch.com/virginia/reston/fairfax-board-seeks-improve-countys-response-homelessness

By Michael O'Connell, Patch

FAIRFAX, VA — Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a measure Tuesday directing county staff to evaluate the temporary housing program used during the pandemic to identify ways to improve the county's response to homelessness.

Supervisors directed county staff to think creatively and identify more permanent supportive housing and long-term housing solutions, including possibly using vacant commercial and industrial properties across the county as temporary shelters. Staff was directed to return with its findings and recommendations in time for the board's Nov. 22 meeting.

Tuesday's measure was a joint board matter introduced by Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, Chairman Jeff McKay and Supervisors Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill), Rodney Lusk (Lee) and Dalia Palchik (Providence).

Edison Academy Celebrates ECE Night 2022:

https://edisonacademy.fcps.edu/index.php/features/edison-academy-celebrates-ece-night-2022

By Williford, Edison Academy

Edison Academy’s Electrical Construction and Engineering (ECE) Program held their 2022-23 Induction Ceremony on Friday, May 20. 2022. The evening celebrated the ECE program and students’ accomplishments of the 2021-22 school year. Guests heard from special guests and outgoing student crew leaders along with witnessing the Passing of the Hard Hat induction ceremony to recognize the incoming 2022-23 crew members and crew leaders. Light refreshments and networking time in the cafeteria followed the ceremony where guests were able to meet the outstanding ECE students, their families, electrical industry partners, and school and community leaders. 

Guest speakers included, Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk, Lee District; Kyle Kratzer, Residential Fast Track Program manager, Fairfax County Land Development Services Division; and former ECE student and past senior crew leader, Michael Hernandez, an employee of Helix Electric, one of the largest, electrical contractors in the nation. 

Fairfax NAACP's Family Fun Day

Memorial Day Travel Most Lane Closures Lifted

Traveling by car this Memorial Day weekend?

Heads up: The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to ease travel by suspending most highway work zones and lifting most lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia from noon on Friday, May 27, through Tuesday, May 31.

Fairfax County Government Center Bike to Work Day

These pictures are from Bike to Work Day at the Fairfax County Government Center. Thank you to Fairfax County Transportation and all the volunteers for coordinating a successful Bike to Work Day! Also, thank you to all the bicyclists for participating. If you are working from home, you can get exercise by biking to a pit stop and then back home to work for the day.

Traveling Players Now Offering Financial Aid for Theatre Summer Camps

Traveling Players offers Financial Aid for Theatre Summer Camps & Conservatories for students in grades 3-12!

• Day Camp @ Tysons Corner Center
• Sleepaway Camps & Acting Conservatories by audition in Leesburg
• Auditions: June 5
• Financial Aid available for all programs

Reminder: Taste of Springfield

Springfield Town Center will be hosting the

 5th Annual "Taste of Springfield" Fest.

There will be exhibitors, food vendors, beer garden, live bands, local youth entertainment, businesses, and ALOT MORE! Don't miss out on showcasing your business in front of thousands!

June 4, Noon to 5 pm

Springfield Town Center

Register Here

Reminder: Shoe Fundraiser

Please join Deputy Fire Chief Willie Bailey, Firefighter & Friends to the Rescue, and the Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department as they raise funds for their Spring Shoe Fundraiser. Donations will provide brand new, athletic-style shoes to local children in need this spring.

When you donate to provide a brand-new pair of shoes, it gives children the confidence to socialize, succeed, and hope for a brighter future. During the Winter, Operation Warm also provides over 4000 new coats every year to deserving families. They take care of the kids from head to toe. 

Over the past 23 years, Operation Warm has served over 4.5 million children across North America. In our communities, nearly one in five children live in need. For their families, paying for food, housing, heat, and healthcare takes priority, meaning many children have to go without proper clothing items needed to stay healthy and active.

Operation Warm is a nonprofit, GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)(3). Over 95¢ of every $1 goes directly to their programs.  

Here is the link to donate: www.operationwarm.org/firefighterandfriends

You may also write a check payable to Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue.

Mail to:

Willie Bailey, President

224 Burgess Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22305

A receipt can be provided upon written request. 

More information on Firefighters & Freinds to the Rescue: http://www.ffandfriends2therescue.org/aboutus.html

FINAL REMINDER: Village Hardware Fundraiser in Support of the W.I.S.H.

Village Hardware customers can round up their purchases throughout May to support the new Workforce Innovation Skills Hub. All proceeds will go to Melwood, the operator of the W.I.S.H. and a 501 C3 nonprofit. Funds raised from the round-ups will go towards training and job placement programs. 

Thank you for your support!

Children 5 to 11 Years of Age Now Eligible for a Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Booster

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met on May 17 and amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, authorizing use of a single booster for children ages 5 through 11 years of age, at least five months after completing a primary series with the Pfizer vaccine. Following this authorization, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met May 19 and now recommends a booster for this age group to provide additional protection against the virus and to help stem community spread.

While children are typically at lower risk than adults of becoming severely ill or hospitalized from COVID-19, the effects of the virus are unpredictable. If infected with COVID-19, children can potentially become very ill, have short- and long-term health conditions, and spread COVID-19 to loved ones, and others at school and in the community.

Because protection decreases over time, boosters are recommended to help restore and provide continued protection. Staying up to date, which means getting vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible, is still the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 and prevent severe disease, hospitalization, long-term complications, and death.

As of May 19, 57,065 or almost 53 percent of children ages 5 -11 in the Fairfax Health District, have been fully vaccinated. Of these, most are now eligible for the booster because it has been at least five months since their second dose. More than 18 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine have been given to children in this age group in the U.S. The vaccine is safe and effective.

More Information: https://fairfaxcountyemergency.wpcomstaging.com/2022/05/20/children-5-to-11-years-of-age-now-eligible-for-a-pfizer-biontech-vaccine-booster/